Thread is a relatively new networking protocol for IoT and is based on IPV6 (6LoWPAN). Its principal target is home connectivity and home automation. Thread was launched in July of 2014 with the formation of the Thread Group Alliance, which includes companies such as Alphabet (Google holding company), Qualcomm, Samsung, ARM, Silicon Labs, Yale (locks), and Tyco.
Based on the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol and 6LoWPAN, it has commonality with Zigbee and other 802.15.4 variants, but with a significant difference being Thread is IP addressable. This IP protocol builds on the data and physical layers provided by 802.15.4 and the features such as security and routing from 6LoWPAN. Thread is also mesh-based, making it attractive for home lighting systems with up to 250 devices in a single mesh. The philosophy with Thread is that by enabling IP addressability...
